Te Araroa National Walkway

Te Araroa: Rakaia River to Lake Heron via Hakatere Conservation Park

This Te Araroa section starts from the public easement over Glenariffe Station (34km from SH77) and crosses the 60,000-hectare Hakatere Conservation Park before reaching the Heron Basin on a paper road through Castle Ridge Station.

Section Overview

Glenrock Stream to Comyns Hut - 16km / 4-5 hours
The track begins at the DOC sign for “Access to North Branch Ashburton Stream” and follows markers through farmland up the true right side of Glenrock Stream. Look out for electric fences. At 1.7km, the track crosses the stream, merging with a farm track that ascends towards the conservation park boundary. Be mindful that camping is only allowed within the conservation park.

Once inside the park, the track ascends to Turtons Saddle (1,120m), offering sweeping views. Beyond the saddle, the route descends to Turtons Stream, where reliable water can be sourced. A-frame Hut (3 bunks) sits at the confluence of Comyns and Turtons Streams, an hour from the saddle. Continuing downstream, there are multiple stream crossings before reaching Comyns Hut, a basic 8-bunk shelter built in 1957.

Comyns Hut to Double Hut Junction - 16km / 6-8 hours
This section is unmarked and requires navigational skills. The track starts behind Comyns Hut, following the North Branch Ashburton River and climbing toward Clent Hills Saddle (1,480m). Views stretch across the Longman Range and Lake Heron Basin. The descent involves crossing scree slopes and ridgelines, eventually leading to Double Hut (6 bunks) after crossing the Swin River. The area is remote, and care must be taken with navigation in poor weather.

Double Hut Junction to Lake Emily / Hakatere Heron Road - 14km / 3-4 hours
The track passes Mānuka Hut (6 bunks), which is the last reliable water source before the Clearwater Track. From there, the route continues to Lake Emily and Hakatere Heron Road, where the section ends.

Key Information

• Track Type: Point-to-point through rugged high country terrain.

• Huts En Route:

  • A-Frame Hut: 3 bunks

  • Comyns Hut: 8 bunks

  • Double Hut: 6 bunks

  • Mānuka Hut: 6 bunks

  • Lake Heron Campground: seasonal, water and toilets only

• Difficulty: Advanced—requires navigation skills, route-finding, and river crossing experience.

• Access Points:

  • Start: Glenrock Stream, Double Hill Run Road

  • End: Lake Emily car park or Hakatere Heron Road

  • Transport Options: Methven Travel offers shuttle services to/from trailheads.

• Hazards: River crossings, weather extremes, few water sources, exposed track sections.

• Camping: Permitted only in designated areas (e.g., inside Hakatere Conservation Park). See more.

Accommodation

• Farm Cottage at Glenrock Station: Self-catering, $60 per person (for Te Araroa walkers).

• Clent Hills Station Accommodation: Pods, cabins, and bunkhouse from $30-$85 per person.

• Lake Heron Campground: Open seasonally, toilets and water.

• Mt Potts Lodge: Accommodation with hot showers and meals.

• Methven Accommodation: Ski Time, Methven Resort, Abisko Lodge & Appartments, and more.

History & Heritage

This area is rich in high-country history, notably Clent Hills Station, which was established in 1857. The station has seen many changes, including its recent partial purchase by the Nature Heritage Fund, which returned the land to conservation.

Additional Information

• Transport:

  • Methven Travel offers shuttles to Glenrock and from the Potts River trailhead.

  • Selwyn Shuttles provide services for Te Araroa hikers from Powerhouse Lodge to Methven.

• Supplies:

  • Methven has supermarkets and outdoor stores.

  • Alpine Sport Adventure Store offers gear for Te Araroa walkers.

Before setting out, register on the Te Araroa website for updates, maps, and trail alerts. Check out the NZ Mountain Safety Council for online resources on trip planning and safety skills.